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Ward understands disharmony

Wolverhampton Wanderers' acting captain Stephen Ward has admitted he can understand why some fans are unhappy with side this season.

Last Updated: 15/03/12 9:47am

Stephen Ward: Feels criticism from Wolves' supporters is justified

Wolverhampton Wanderers' acting captain Stephen Ward has admitted he can understand why some fans are unhappy with his side this season.

Ward's comments come after some fans staged a demonstration outside Molineux following last Saturday's 2-0 loss to Blackburn, a defeat which leaves the Black Country club in 19th position in the Premier League.

The club's owner Steve Morgan and midfielder Jamie O' Hara were confronted by some supporters but Ward, standing in as captain for the axed Roger Johnson, has shown empathy towards the disgruntled fans.

Uneasy atmosphere

The 26-year-old said: "The atmosphere is not easy. The lads said after the Blackburn game that it is not the best atmosphere to play in. Of course you can hear it but we've not given the supporters much to cheer about this year.

"We've not given ourselves anything to shout about so it's going to be like that every time we come here."

Wolves next host Manchester United on Sunday, and Ward believes his team-mates cannot use the negative atmosphere as an excuse when they face the Premier League leaders.

"It doesn't help but we've got to be big enough and strong enough to get by that," he added.

"We are professional footballers, it's our job and whether things are going right or wrong, we've got to be big enough and strong enough to take the bull by the horns and play our own game."